If you go too long, though, plaque will build up and boost your chances of sore gums and other problems, he says. Brushing more than three times a day might not be ideal, Sesemann says. Are you brushing correctly? Wide, side-to-side strokes can cause scrapes along your gum line, Sesemann says. Hold your brush at a degree angle to your gums, and make an up-and-down motion. Use short strokes.
Brush outer and inner tooth surfaces, back molars, and your tongue. By the time you get to the last area of your mouth, you may be bored. The kind of toothpaste you use matters, he says. The things that brighten or control tartar can be harsh. There are two important reasons why a toothbrush should be replaced regularly: firstly, as a result of mechanical wear , the bristles start to bend, leading to insufficient removal of dental plaque over time. The second reason is the rapid accumulation of bacteria , which tends to grow much faster in moist environments.
It is also important to rinse your toothbrush after every use under a stream of water and leave it to dry in the upright position. It is not necessary to keep a cover on your toothbrush; these small plastic cases are only intended for protection during occasional transport. Keeping your brush covered all the time can lead to the growth of large amounts of surface bacteria on the cover itself.
On top of that, a cover prevents the bristles inside from drying out properly, trapping moisture and creating the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. You might want to change out toothbrushes for children more often than every 3 months, as they may mash on a toothbrush head or gnaw on the handle.
If anyone else uses your toothbrush by mistake, get rid of it. To make the most out of your toothbrush, take care of it the way you would any personal grooming or hygiene tool. If your toothbrush is stored in a cup or container with other toothbrushes, try not to let the heads touch each other. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush completely with tap water.
Some of these containers can encourage mold growth or spread bacteria. Every time you use your toothbrush, the nylon bristles are exposed to water and chemicals from your toothpaste. This makes the bristles a little weaker with each use.
A study showed that after 40 days of consistent use, bristle flaring starts to make your toothbrush less effective. At least two earlier studies on worn toothbrush heads confirmed that older toothbrushes are much less efficient at removing plaque, which is the cause of gum disease and tooth decay.
Your toothbrush is an important oral hygiene tool. When it comes to dental health, can there be too much of a good thing? Brushing your teeth too hard or vigorously is known as overbrushing. Although your teeth do need to be brushed twice a day, every day, overbrushing can actually harm your enamel and gums — and lead to dental problems. Chances are, your dentist will be able to identify signs of overbrushing at your dental visit.
These may include:. Fortunately, you can stop overbrushing and minimize your risk of these problems.
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